One vehicle crash claims the life of Mountain City mayor

Officials in the law enforcement community and beyond are mourning the death of Phillip Taylor, a former Hays County deputy and current mayor of Mountain City, who was killed in a one-vehicle accident Thursday night.

Details were few, but what is known is the accident occurred around 10 p.m., on FM 2770 south of Buda.

“Please keep his family, friends, brothers and sisters in blue in your thoughts and prayers,” Sheriff Gary Cutler said of Taylor, who spent 18 years with the sheriff’s office.

Beyond his duties as Mayor of Mountain City, Taylor recently took a position as School Safety Officer for Hays Consolidated ISD. He also currently served as a volunteer Emergency Management Specialist in the Hays County Office of Emergency Services

“I’m saddened to learn of the passing of a good friend and outstanding public servant today. Phillip Taylor was a life-long resident of Hays County,” said Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell.

“He dedicated his life to serving and protecting the members of our community … He was a loving father, son and friend to everyone,” Mitchell continued. “Phillip’s dedication to our community is evident as he was recently appointed as Hays CISD’s first director of safety and security and also was elected as mayor of Mountain City. These roles fit his life mission perfectly and there was no one better than Phillip to fill them. Our hearts and prayers go out to Phillip’s family, friends and those he worked so diligently to serve and protect.”

Visitation for Mayor Taylor is Thursday, April 4th, from 5:30-8:00 p.m., at Harrell Funeral Home, 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX. 78640. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 5th, at 10:00 a.m. at Hays CISD Performing Arts Center, 979 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle, TX 78640.

“In our grief, we have received the support of our Governor, who has issued a letter authorizing me to ask our county to lower flags to half-staff to honor and respect Mayor Philip Taylor of Mountain City,” County Judge Ruben Becerra said. “Governor Abbott and the First Lady join Mrs. Becerra and me in sending our most heartfelt condolences to the Taylor family.”

Flags should return to full staff on Saturday, April

6.